5 Ways to Keep Yourself from "Falling" into Temptation
"It's FALL, Y'all!"
"Y'all" isn't necessarily in my every day vocabulary, BUT when it's fall- anything goes. PSL's ("y'all" already know), boots, scarves, colorful leaves on the ground-- IT'S MY FAVORITE SEASON AND I LOVE IT! Now, I have to admit I currently live in Florida where temperatures range from 80-100 degrees and palm fronds only start to change color when a hurricane knocks them off the tree, but a girl can dream, can't she?
I know I'm making light of day dreaming and fantasizing, but sometimes our thoughts can take us places we know we shouldn't go. Our thought life is one avenue we could go on that the enemy uses to lure us into a temptation trap. How do we combat it? Let's talk about it!
1. Take every thought captive.
In 2 Corinthians 10, Paul talks about having the strength of Christ as we are set apart from the world. Paul emphasizes the significance of knowing that the world that we are living in is under satan's authority, but as followers of Christ we have the authority to destroy any lies or attacks the enemy throws our way. What does this have to do with temptation? In verse 5 Paul says to "take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ." Every time you have a thought that doesn't line up with who Christ is- lust, anger, envy, greed, idolatry (just some examples)- take authority of it and say a prayer, asking God to remove the thought. Remind yourself- that thought is simply a tool satan is trying to use to get you to give into temptation.
2. Hide God's Word in your heart.
Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you." Think about where most people keep their most prized possessions. They normally don't leave it on their front lawn or lying on the floor near a trash can. In most cases, people keep what is most valuable to them in a safe, on a top shelf, or somewhere that's locked. Sometimes they even hide it so no one can find it. This is similar to what the author of this psalm is saying. Hide God's Word in your heart; keep it safe as if it's treasure so in times of temptation, we're able to use it before we can fall into it.
3. Submit yourself to God.
Okay, okay, this one seems so simple it's easy to just move past it. Making this a conscious, daily effort is vital to steering clear from giving into temptation. Submitting to God is the act of placing yourself underneath His authority. We can't forget that our first nature is to sin; without submitting to God that's all we know to do! Sadly, since that is the case, we need to submit ourselves to God, and as it says in James 4:7, "resist the devil, and he will flee from you." So if we place ourselves under God's authority and resist temptation, the devil will FLEE from us! Woo-hoo! Praise the Lord!!
4. Walk by the Spirit
If you haven't ever read Galatians 5 go do yourself a favor and stop reading this to go read that! This will still be here when you get back! ;) We all know what our sinful nature easily falls into: sexual impurity, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, drunkenness, etc. But walking in these ways is the exact opposite to how we are called to walk. Walk in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Paul continues to say, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." So, combat those fleshly desires by walking by the Spirit.
5. Put on the whole armor of God.
What do you use armor for? For protection! And God has given us every form of protection we need to overcome temptation. You can find the whole armor of God description in Ephesians 6. We've got:
The Belt of Truth: Satan fights with lies, and sometimes his lies sound like truth, but knowing God's word (keeping it hidden in your heart) will protect you from those lies.
The Breastplate of Righteousness: God's righteousness is the breastplate that protects our heart and ensures his approval, the only approval that matters!
The Footgear of Readiness: The footgear God gives us is the motivation to continue to proclaim to everyone the true peace that is available in God.
The Shield of Faith: With God's perspective, we can see beyond our circumstances and know that the ultimate victory is ours. Satan's flaming arrows has nothin' on those who have faith in Jesus!
The Helmet of Salvation: Satan wants to make us doubt God, Jesus, and our salvation. The helmet protects our mind from doubting God's saving work for us.
The Sword of the Spirit: This is our only weapon of defense! When we are tempted, we need to trust the truth of God's word, and use it!
We are praying that in times of temptation, God reminds you of the verses we've shared with you to win the battle!
